Tourist traps in Europe and where to go instead

Want to know what to skip in Europe and head to instead? Tourist traps in Europe and the most overrated European cities are everywhere and even some of the greatest bucket-list destinations like Paris or Venice are huge European tourist traps.

Europe is a continent rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes, but it’s also home to some of the world’s most overhyped tourist attractions. While the Mona Lisa, Trevi Fountain, London Eye, and Manneken Pis are undoubtedly iconic, they can often leave travelers feeling underwhelmed and overwhelmed by the throngs of tourists. Here’s why you might want to skip these tourist traps and what to do instead for a more authentic European experience.

Notorious Tourist Traps

The Mona Lisa, Louvre, Paris

The Mona Lisa is arguably the most famous painting in the world, but seeing it in person can be a disappointing experience. Housed in the Louvre, this small portrait is often surrounded by large crowds, making it difficult to appreciate up close. The rest of the museum, however, is filled with incredible works that are often overlooked. Instead of battling the crowds, explore other sections of the Louvre, or better yet, visit the Musée d’Orsay for an impressive collection of Impressionist art in a less crowded setting.

Trevi Fountain, Rome

The Trevi Fountain is a stunning piece of Baroque art, but the experience of seeing it can be diminished by the constant crowds and the hustle of pickpockets and street vendors. Tossing a coin into the fountain is a romantic notion, but it’s worth considering other, quieter fountains in Rome, like the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola, where you can enjoy the ambiance without the chaos.

London Eye, London

The London Eye offers panoramic views of the city and is an iconic landmark, but the long lines and high ticket prices often make it more hassle than it’s worth. For equally breathtaking views of London, head to the Sky Garden, a free public space with 360-degree views of the city, lush greenery, and less tourist congestion.

Manneken Pis, Brussels

Manneken Pis is a tiny statue of a boy urinating into a fountain and is one of Brussels’ most famous landmarks. However, many visitors find it underwhelming in person, given its diminutive size and the fact that it’s often surrounded by throngs of tourists. Instead, consider exploring Brussels’ stunning Grand Place or the nearby Atomium, a unique structure with panoramic views of the city.

Beyond these iconic spots, Europe has its fair share of other overrated destinations and tacky tourist shops. Typical red flags include those tour groups with the leader carrying a flag or umbrella, with fairly large groups following. 

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, while iconic, can feel like a mere photo opportunity among crowds. Venice’s St. Mark’s Square, though beautiful, is often so packed that it’s hard to move, let alone enjoy the surroundings. And the overpriced restaurants and shops in these areas can leave you feeling like you’ve paid too much for too little.

Embrace the Road Less Traveled

Europe is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered, where you can immerse yourself in local culture without the pressure of the tourist hordes. Consider visiting smaller towns, exploring local markets, and engaging with the local culture. Whether it’s the charming villages of the Alsace region in France, the quiet beauty of Slovenia’s Lake Bled, or the historic streets of Porto, Portugal, these less crowded spots offer a more authentic and memorable experience.

By avoiding Europe’s tourist traps, you not only save time and money but also open yourself up to the rich and varied experiences that make travel truly rewarding. Seek out the less obvious, and you’ll find the heart of Europe waiting for you.

European Countries limiting tourists

For many of us who love to travel and have a travel bucket list of special places, we’ve dreamt of travelling to means putting up with massive crowds, overtourism and soul-killing Instagram influencers. The most over touristed places in Europe are often some of the very places we feel we must visit and many European locations are taking measures to limit tourists and what tourists are allowed to do. For example Venice is now limiting cruise ships, the Alhambra in Spain has controlled entry, in Rome you are not allowed to sit on the Spanish steps. 

Marseille in France has capped visitor numbers, Portofino, a picturesque town on the Italian Riviera, has designated “off-limits” areas to curb overcrowding. The Amalfi Coast is implementing a license plate restriction which means that there is a system in place as to who is allowed to drive the road between Vietri sul Mae and Positano. Barcelona is considering charging a tourist levy.

Several European countries have implemented measures to limit tourists, primarily to protect their natural environments, manage overcrowding, and preserve cultural heritage. Here are some key examples:

Italy

Venice

Venice has been at the forefront of tourist restrictions. The city has introduced a booking system for day-trippers and will charge an entrance fee to help manage the number of visitors. The goal is to control the massive influx of tourists, particularly during peak seasons.

Cinque Terre

To preserve the fragile environment, Cinque Terre has limited the number of visitors on its famous hiking trails. Visitors are encouraged to book tickets in advance, and there are plans to further restrict access during peak periods.

Rome

The city has implemented measures such as banning eating and drinking near historic fountains and monuments to protect them from damage.

Spain

Barcelona

Barcelona has implemented strict regulations on short-term rentals like Airbnb, limiting the number of licenses issued and imposing fines for illegal rentals. The city has also restricted the number of new hotels in the city center. Many of the antoni gaudí locations are over-touristed since they are such a big tourist attraction. La Rambla a popular destination is often chock full of selfie sticks and influencers.

Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, etc.)

These popular tourist destinations have limited the number of tourist beds and placed restrictions on the construction of new hotels. The islands have also imposed eco-taxes on tourists to help fund environmental protection efforts.

San Sebastián

The city has limited the number of tourist accommodations and introduced stricter regulations on holiday rentals to manage overcrowding and preserve the quality of life for residents.

France

Paris

Paris has imposed restrictions on short-term rentals, especially in central areas, to combat the housing shortage. Similar to Barcelona, the city has capped the number of days a property can be rented out on platforms like Airbnb.

Mont Saint-Michel

The UNESCO World Heritage site limits the number of visitors during peak times to protect its fragile infrastructure.

Croatia

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik has become a poster child for overtourism. The city has limited the number of cruise ships allowed to dock each day and capped the number of visitors to its historic Old Town to manage the crowds and protect the city’s heritage.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

This national park has introduced a quota system where visitors must book tickets in advance for specific time slots to prevent overcrowding and protect the natural environment.

Greece

Santorini

The island of Santorini has capped the number of cruise ship passengers allowed to disembark each day to prevent overcrowding and reduce the strain on local infrastructure.

Athens

The Acropolis and other key archaeological sites in Athens have limited the number of visitors allowed at any one time, especially during peak tourist hours.

 Netherlands

Amsterdam

Amsterdam has introduced a series of measures to limit tourism, including banning guided tours in the Red Light District, restricting short-term rentals, and implementing a “tourist tax” for visitors. The city has also reduced advertising campaigns aimed at attracting more tourists and is encouraging visitors to explore lesser-known areas outside the city center.

Iceland

Iceland in general: Iceland has seen a dramatic increase in tourism over the last decade. To manage this, the country has implemented measures such as restricting access to certain natural sites, requiring permits for some popular hiking trails, and limiting the number of visitors at key locations like the Blue Lagoon.

Portugal

Lisbon

Lisbon has imposed restrictions on short-term rentals to combat rising rents and preserve the local housing market. The city has also implemented measures to disperse tourists away from overcrowded areas.

Sintra

The town of Sintra, famous for its palaces and castles, has introduced limits on the number of visitors to its historic sites to prevent damage and manage overcrowding.

These measures reflect a broader trend in Europe where popular destinations are seeking to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the need to protect cultural heritage, preserve local communities, and maintain environmental sustainability.

How to avoid Tourist traps in Europe

Overtourism is a relatively new term for travel and it refers to the negative impact caused by tourism. Examples include protests taking place in Barcelona, Cruise ships being banned from Venice.  Overcrowding at Mount Everest caused the deaths of 12 climbers.

We’ve seen stories in national newspapers about tourists defacing sacred monuments, “influencers” destroying agricultural sites like fields of sunflowers, and horrendous begpackers. The problem is growing and is going to cause more problems in the future.

As wanderers and travellers, we have a responsibility to travel mindfully and that means taking care of our surroundings and communities while we travel.

When seeking out more sustainable destinations in Europe, consider focusing on lesser-known towns and regions that prioritize eco-friendly practices and community well-being. Start by exploring areas with robust local sustainability initiatives, such as those participating in the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism. Look for destinations that emphasize green transport options, support local businesses, and have low-impact accommodations.

Opt for locations that offer rich cultural experiences without the strain of heavy tourism, such as small villages or rural areas with strong preservation efforts. Engaging with these places not only helps reduce the burden on over-touristed sites but also provides a more authentic and meaningful travel experience, fostering a deeper connection with the local environment and culture.

Exploring 28 Enchanting Medieval Towns of Europe

Tourist traps in Europe and what to see instead

Skip Capri try Ischia 

The island of Capri is undeniably beautiful, full of interesting things to do and steeped in glamour. But it’s also expensive, crowded and a tourist trap. I can cope with all of that, but what really put me off Capri was the constant sense that I wasn’t quite good enough, rich enough or glamorous enough for the island. 

Not long ago I heard about another island in the Bay of Naples. A bit bigger than Capri, just as easy to get to from Naples, just as beautiful and with lots to do. That island is Ischia, and it has everything I liked about Capri, plus a chilled out, informal atmosphere, way cheaper prices and – the real clincher – over 100 volcanic thermal springs.

There’s something for everyone here, and budget travellers and luxury travellers alike will be delighted with the range of things to do in Ischia. Take those lovely hot springs as an example; luxury travellers can choose a fabulous hotel with on-site thermal baths. Mid-range visitors to Ischia will love visiting one of the island’s gorgeous grown-up water parks, set in beautiful gardens. By Helen from  HelenonherHolidays

Skip Berlin try Hamburg 

Yes, Berlin is a great city that has a lot to offer and is full of top sights. But it is also full of tourists – German and international visitors crowd the German capital pretty much year-round. If you want to experience a fun German city that is not as overrun by tourists, especially hoards of international tourist groups, I highly recommend Hamburg. 

Hamburg is the gem of Northern Germany. Germany’s second-largest city offers big city amenities but still has local charm. Located on the Elb and Alster rivers, it offers not only fun water-based activities but is also one of the largest port cities in Europe and an important trade city. These foreign influences have shaped Hamburg into a diverse and affluent city with some interesting quirky facts that make it definitely worthwhile your visit:

Hamburg is the coffee capital of the world. Every seventh cup of coffee that is consumed in the world has been traded in Hamburg. 

Hamburg’s UNESCO World Heritage Site “Speicherstadt” is the largest Warehouse district in the world. The beautiful brick architecture is absolutely stunning and the canals give it almost a Venetian feel. By Maria at EuropeupClose

Skip Venice and try the Venetian Islands 

One of the worst things when travelling is to show up at a famous tourist destination like Venice and be completely overwhelmed by the crowds of people. On Rialto Bridge, you might have to wait for more than a half-hour to wade through the 5-6 people deep to get to the railing for a photo.

Next time you are standing in St. Mark’s Square and can’t get a photo without someone walking in front of you, consider an alternative for the day. An alternative with fewer people, but still getting the Italian vacation you dreamed of. 

Taking a day trip to the Venetian Islands can give you that Italian vacation but, without the craziness of the crowds at the Venice sites. With a short boat ride from Venice, you can immerse yourself in Italian culture on the islands of San Michele, Murano, Burano, Mazzorbo, and Torcello.

Here you will find good food, historic cemeteries, unique museums, beautiful Italian churches (on Torcello the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is over 1000 years old), authentic souvenirs (Murano glass and Burano lace), and some amazing photo opportunities among the colourful fisherman buildings on Burano which was named one of the colourful cities of the world.   By the RaulersonGirls

Skip Venice try Padova 

The allure of Venice is never-ending. Yet a blessing as well as a curse. Tourism is always a valuable generator of income for any destination but the issue of over-tourism has been gaining greater significance in recent years. And so, all the more reason to explore elsewhere in the Veneto region and somewhere like Padova.

This historic university city has been a centre of academia stretching back to the 13th Century and counts Gallileo as perhaps its most famous alumnus. Located less than an hour’s train journey away from Venice, Padova is a real treasure chest of history and culture spanning thousands of years. The Basilica of San Antonio with its Byzantine domes is one of the eight most sacred shrines recognised by the Holy See in the Vatican.

One of the most instantly recognisable parts of Padova is the Prato della Valle. A large public square with at its heart a little park to chill and a circular waterway with bridges linking at different points. Around this are 88 statues of notable figures from Padova’s history. From Jonathan at Journeymaxx.

Skip Venice try Verona

As soon as you think of Verona Shakespeare comes to mind. This city is 75 miles west of Venice and like Venice, the  UNESCO World Heritage site comes with all the necessary charms including piazzas with Greek Gods, a performing arts venue set within a Roman amphitheatre and a 13th-century castle along with (of course) Juliet’s Balcony.

Skip Barcelona, Try Girona  

Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. This means travellers need to expect long lines for museums and attractions, overcrowded restaurants serving mediocre food, and increasing displeasure from locals about tourists. While not all travellers would equate this with Barcelona, it’s become the reaction of many who visit the city. Thankfully, only 38 minutes away by train, the quaint city of Girona offers travellers the perfect alternative to Barcelona.

For travellers, Girona offers something for everyone. Unlike the overcrowded La Boqueria in Barcelona, which now serves mainly tourists, not locals, Girona boasts one of the best local food markets in all of Spain. The Mercat del Lleo features dozens of fresh fruit and vegetable vendors, fishmongers, and butchers. It’s a truly local Spanish market.

For lovers of Game of Thrones, Girona is well worth the trip. The city played an important part in Season 6, providing numerous iconic filming locations. From the steps of the Cathedral of Girona to its narrow back alleys and stairways, Girona is a Game of Thrones lover’s dream. A great year-round destination, Girona hosts a number of festivals for Christmas and Easter, and every May the city comes alive with flowers.  By Amber from FoodandDrinkDestinations

Skip Barcelona try Seville

Seville is the cultural and business centre of the Andalusian region and the birthplace of flamenco.  There’s A LOT to see and experience in Seville it is the cultural heart of Spain and the best place to experience the mixture of cultures in the country. 

 Seville is home to the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can climb the Giralda, from where you will enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the city. In the Crypt you will find the tombs of several kings of Castile and of Alfonso X the Wise, and even the tomb of Christopher Columbus. 

Don’t skip the Alcazar is a series of Palaces with architecture from the 11th century up to the present day including Islamic, Mudejar, Gothic and Renaissance.  There are stunning gardens that began over 1000 years ago filled with ponds, sculptures, fountains and scented trees and flowers 

Skip Rome’s Colosseum and try Pula 

One of the most iconic tourist attractions of Rome, known all around the world, is the Colosseum, although with fame comes a heck of a lot of tourists! This huge amphitheatre, once the site of bloody battles where thousands of gladiators and animals met their gory end, is now visited by over 5 million tourists a year. 

What some people don’t know is that there were actually over 200 amphitheatres constructed throughout the Roman empire, many of which are still standing and well worth a visit should you wish to swerve the crowds. If you want to see a Roman arena head to Pula, Croatia.

The Arena in Pula, one of the most intact amphitheatres still standing, is in fact just over the border in Croatia, a previous marine stronghold of the Roman empire.

Along with a distinct lack of queues, the Pula Arena costs only half the price of the Colosseum. In Summer you can even enjoy a variety of small performances and film showings in the amphitheatre itself.  Rome. From Laura and Charlie of theTravellingStomach

Skip Dubrovnik try the Dalmation Coast 

Dalmatian Coast is probably one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia. We’re talking about beautiful medieval towns with famous historical sites, crystal clear water and beautiful scenery. However, for the last few years, some of these stunning towns have become so overly populated with Instagram-hungry tourists and party crowds, that it’s impossible to visit them during the high season.

We’ve been there in June, just before the high season and in Dubrovnik, for example, we found ourselves dreading the thought of going back into the old town in the middle of the day. Croatia is stunning, and the Dalmatian Coast has some wonderful gems but personally, we fell in love with a much quieter county, the Istrian Peninsula.

Istria is also a foodies paradise, with beautiful olive oil groves and dozens of local wineries and have we mentioned that you can actually go truffle hunting during the truffle season? The Italian rule has definitely left its mark on Istria and to this day many of the locals are fluent in both Croatian and Italian.

Trust us, Istria is going to win you over with its Croatian-Italian vibes, picturesque towns and gastronomy scene. So, you’d better add Istria to your bucket list when planning your Croatian adventure if you want to discover one of the most stunning counties in Croatia. From Maya and Sari of ChasingLenscapes

Croatian food – Discovering the delicious food of Croatia

Skip Bratislava try Györ  

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is a popular tourist destination. The city, on the banks of the Danube River, is also a frequent stop for river cruises. When we visited there, 5 large cruise ships were moored. 

After this visit, we didn’t come with high expectations of Hungary, but we were totally captivated by our first stop: Györ, the city of three rivers. It’s a medium-sized city, the sixth-largest in Hungary. It doesn’t have a medieval centre either – that was burnt down in 1529 to keep the Turks from occupying it. But Györ (pronounced jyeur) is a beautiful city nonetheless!

The city has a number of interesting sights; from the bishop’s castle right above the confluence of the Rába and Mosoni-Duna Rivers, to the impressive town hall, built in the early 1900s, at the other end of the historic centre. Györ’s main square, Széchinyi, is surrounded by many beautiful buildings, like the Esterházy Palace, Lord Abbot’s House, and a complex of former Jesuit buildings. by Jurgen from Dare to Go

Skip Copenhagen try Aarhus 

There are a lot of people who come to Denmark just to visit Copenhagen. And sure it is a beautiful place, but it is also crowded with tourists and overly expensive. Most of the people are going to Nyhavn, the brightly coloured place in the centre of Copenhagen. Truth is, there is not that much to do. You can take a picture there, but unless you have a high budget, it is not possible to eat dinner there without losing a fortune.

The same goes for the little mermaid statue. It is beautiful and iconic, but also very small. Very often hard to see because it is surrounded by other tourists.

Well, luckily Denmark has a lot more to offer. One of the places to go instead could be, for example, Aarhus. Aarhus is the second biggest town in Denmark. It might not have an iconic statue from a fairy tale. However, it has a lot of other things. My favourite place is the museum ARoS. Which is a museum of modern arts with a rainbow view on its roof?  by Albina of GingeraroundtheGlobe

Skip Prague try Olomouc 

While Prague’s historical beauty cannot be disputed, in recent years the Old Town has become very commercial and it’s nowadays quite hard to plan a trip and experience Prague sans tourist crowds.

While I’d never tell anybody to skip Prague altogether, because I love the food and beer here, I have an alternative for those who love history, and incredible architecture, and prefer to take it all in in a much quieter setting.

Welcome to Olomouc, the 6th largest city in the Czech Republic. Olomouc is only 2 hours away from Prague (by train) but the difference in the number of tourists is striking. There’s literally no one.

You’d be surprised by what all there’s to admire in Olomouc. The beautiful Baroque Old Town is centred around two interconnected squares and features plenty of narrow streets that suddenly open to reveal breathtaking churches.

Olomouc even has its own astronomical clock. This one was majorly renovated in the ’60s but it still works in the same way the Prague astronomical clock does and comes complete with a rooster.

A large column proudly standing on the Lower Square of Olomouc was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. It’s one of the largest plague columns ever built and even features a small chapel on the bottom. by Veronika of TravelGeekery

Skip Zagreb try Sarajevo 

In the last few years, Croatia has become increasingly popular, including its capital Zagreb. Croatia is a beautiful country and for some places, the hype is completely understandable even though mass tourism is definitely becoming an issue. 

A better alternative, for example, is Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia. Sarajevo is more budget-friendly and has a more scenic location surrounded by the hills of the Dinaric Alps. Being one of the most multicultural cities in Europe with a turbulent past there are also plenty of things to see and do.

Sarajevo is a year-round destination. In summer you can go hiking in the mountains or wander through the streets of the old town where you travel back in time to the Ottoman empire. In winter you can go skiing in one of the mountain resorts where they organized the winter Olympics in 1984.

Sarajevo has a vibrant cafe culture and the old town is full of teahouses and coffeehouses. They are cheap by European standards and so are its restaurants where you can try Bosnian cuisine. Bosnian food is similar to Croatian food, but with Ottoman influences, there is more variety in Bosnia. from Ellis of BackpackAdventures

Skip Amsterdam try the Hague 

Last March, we had the opportunity to visit The Hague, a town in the Netherlands well known for being home to the International Court of Justice. It was rainy and cold, and incredibly windy, but we were really surprised by the number of fun things to do in The Hague – so much so that it quickly became our favourite town in the Netherlands, overtaking that tourist trap named Amsterdam. 

The Hague offers everything that Amsterdam has to offer – parks, interesting museums, and canals, but on top of that there’s also a long, sandy beach. Not many tourists visit as The Hague has the reputation of being a politics and business-focused city, but that means you can enjoy roaming the city and checking out sights with very few tourists and no long queues!

The #1 not to be missed The Hague attraction is the Peace Palace, home to the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the International Court of Justice, the Library of International Law, and the Hague Academy of International Law. from Margherita of TheCrowdedPlanet

Skip the Hardergrat Trail Switzerland and try Arnigrat  

The Hardergrat trail in Switzerland is a really popular ridge hike. While it is clearly a beautiful hike, the crowd you encounter along the way spoils the experience. But there is another gorgeous ridge hike not so far, which offers just as beautiful views without the crowd. There is no cable car there, no restaurants and no crowd. Arnigrat is a hidden gem in Switzerland, which can also be done as a day trip from Lucerne. You will see glaciers, lakes, cities, mountains and valleys along the way.

The main peak of the Arnigrat hike is Wandelen, which is 2105 m. The circular hike is about 12 km. As both hikes are along a narrow, sharp ridge, good hiking boots are essential and don’t attempt to do either of them if you suffer from vertigo.  from Eniko of TravelHackerGirl

Skip Mykonos try Naxos  

If you’re planning a trip to the Greek Islands, Mykonos is probably one of the first islands that spring to mind. Don’t overlook the lesser-known islands, though. Enter Naxos – a smaller Greek Island that has a lot in common with its overpopulated neighbour but, in my opinion, has much more charm. 

Being a lesser-known island, Naxos is also much more affordable than others. While Mykonos will set you back a small fortune no matter where you stay, Naxos has plenty of affordable accommodation, even in the centre of town. For the price of one night in Mykonos, you could enjoy at least 2-4 nights in Naxos, making it a perfect option if you’re trying to travel the Greek Islands on a budget. In fact, Naxos has even more untouched, rugged landscapes that are just asking to be explored! Along with its pristine beaches, cute towns and incredible food, it makes Naxos an obvious choice for a more authentic Greek trip. from Jodie of Alajode

Skip Florence try Matera

Florence, Italy — the cradle of the Renaissance! Home to Michelangelo’s David! The location of the famous Uffizi Museum! Could anyone visit this magical place and come away anything less than dazzled?

Yup. We visited last October and were decidedly underwhelmed. Sure, the art is impressive. But it’s so famous that you can’t help but be a little disappointed. And don’t get us started on the people: sweaty crowds thronging the streets, lines stretching into infinity, and bus after bus disgorging even more tourists.

Naturally, the prices are outrageous. And art aside, the city itself doesn’t impress all that much. Instead, consider heading south for Matera, Italy. Odds are you’ve never heard of this town of 60,000 located in the Basilicata region. But once there, you’ll find the incredible Sassi di Matera, or “stone cities” — Matera’s “old town” area. It’s really – old, a gathering place since 7000 B.C., and possibly the longest continuously occupied place on Earth. Overlooking “la Gravina” — Italian for “the ravine” — the Sassi started out as caves carved out of the distinctive white rock.                

Most breathtakingly of all is the mountain-like slab of rock towering above the whole area. In fact, this is the church of Madonna de Idris — a chapel that was painstakingly carved out of stone over many years. There’s a reason why movies like Wonder Woman and The Passion of the Christ were filmed here. You can spend hours exploring the twisty streets and taking in the sweeping views. By Michael Jensen & Brent Hartinger from Brentandmichaelgoingplaces.

Skip Tuscancy try Umbria 

When you picture quintessential Italy – the rolling hills of olive orchards, the pool villa in the sunny countryside, the wineries Chefs and cheesemakers and castles on a hillside – you probably think of Tuscany. With some of the greatest historical sites in cities like Florence and Siena, Tuscany has long been one of the most popular destinations for tourists in Italy.

Just to the southeast of Tuscany is its less popular counterpart: Umbria. With a very similar landscape and a quiet lifestyle, you’ll find all the old-world Italian charm you could possibly ask for, without the crowds.

If you want to experience a more authentic Italy and don’t care for the large cities and the tourist buses, give Umbria a try. Check out the 13th-century frescoes in the basilica in Assisi. Lookout from the ramparts of Castiglione del Lago. Get lost in the countryside, driving from perfect little town to perfect little town, tasting all the wine, olives, and gelato along the way. And if you’re taking the little ones, check out all the things to know before you go to Italy with a toddler or baby!   By Dani of DiapersinParadise

Skip the Camino de Santiago try the Camino del Norte  

The Camino de Santiago – a pilgrimage route in Spain became increasingly popular in the last years due to several books and movies. According to the official statistics of the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago de Compostela, more than 320 000 people arrived in Santiago on foot or bicycle in 2018 and this year promises to beat the record. There are several Camino de Santiago routes that start in different parts of Spain and Portugal mainly finishing in Santiago de Compostela but most people don’t know about it, about 60% of all pilgrims walk the Camino Frances the most famous and popular route.

As a result, the route gets overcrowded during the peak season which is May, August, and September with hundreds of pilgrims arriving in the same place every day which results in the lack of available accommodation in smaller towns, sometimes people are forced to walk an extra 5 or 10km before they can find a place to sleep. 

We’ve walked 7 different Camino routes and in our experience, some of them have more impressive scenery than the French Way, like the Camino del Norte which follows the Northern coast of Spain and offers very diverse scenery, but only 6% of all pilgrims choose this route.  By Campbell & Alya of StingyNomads

Skip Paris try Bordeaux

 When people think of France, they immediately think of Paris. Paris is one of the most famous cities in the world and it’s known as “the city of love”.  Paris might have been romantic, sparkling clean and absolutely stunning in the 1950-es or 1960-es, but those times are long gone now and it is one of the world’s major tourist traps. 

No wonder, that many tourists get a so-called “Paris syndrome” when they get an extreme shock after discovering that Paris looks like nothing they have imagined. If you want to visit a “very French” (culturally), beautiful, clean and friendly city, head to. Bordeaux is also touristy, but by no means, it’s as crowded as Paris. We noticed that people in Bordeaux were very friendly and helpful, the prices were lower and the wine (Bordeaux is famous for its wine) is undeniably better. From Liza at Tripsget

Skip Paris try Lyon 

Paris is a fantastic location but in my opinion too busy and full of tourists visiting all the main attractions. If you already have been to Paris but want the same vibe but more relaxed with many attractions, fun neighbourhoods and even a medieval district to explore, check out Lyon. The city of Lyon is similar in lifestyle, historic charm and even two main rivers that criss-cross the city to create scenic vistas, gorgeous bridges and wonderful promenades that offer food venues, farmers’ markets and even art fairs on the shores of the main river. 

Lyon has stunning architecture, lovely pedestrian walking venues with bars and open-air restaurants and across the Saone river is the historic district of Lyon with medieval charm, lovely small streets also filled with open-air dining venues, large historic architecture and impressive plazas to explore. If you climb to the top of the main Basilica of our Lady of Fourviere, you will be greeted with stunning views of the valley floor and panoramic city views. The splendid basilica is stunning with impressive and ornate interiors you can explore. From Noel Morata of Travelphotodiscovery

Where to find the sublime lavender fields of France

Skip Lake Como try Lake Garda

 Visit Lake Garda instead of Lake Como Located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy and famous for its villas, Lake Como and the towns around the lake are popular with tourists, it is overrated in my opinion!  While it makes for a romantic escape, and is great for people-watching and wandering the picturesque alleyways, there is not much to do other than boat rides to see the majestic Italian villas and to wander in the different villages.  

Lago di Garda compared to its neighbour Lake Como is not as popular, but it is a well-known family holiday destination among Italians. It is a perfect stop for a few days if you are visiting Northern Italy, there are many fun activities and cute towns to visit around Lake Garda. You can visit wineries, learn about olive oil production and even look for truffles.  If you are visiting during fall, the air is a little crisp, the leaves are changing into golden colours and in November you might even be able to visit some Christmas markets.

Skip Crete try Rethymnon

Crete is a popular tourist destination, but as the largest of Greece’s islands, you can comfortably skip the island’s most over-touristed spots to enjoy some of its quieter cities and towns instead. I have to admit that Rethymnon is my favourite place in Crete. The town, located a few hours from both of the island’s airports, is a perfect substitute for Chania.

Both towns have beautiful Venetian harbours to explore, fabulous lighthouses, and historic mosques. Of course, they also have traditional tavernas that feature the best of Cretan cuisine, so you won’t miss out on any delicious dishes by picking Rethymnon over Chania.

While there’s no end to the activities you can do in either city, you can enjoy more Rethymnon activities because you won’t have to wait in line before getting a jump on your day.  From Stephanie of SofiaAdventures

Skip Dubrovnik try Peljesac

Skip Dubrovnik and head to the Peljesac peninsula Perfectly preserved old town with its 2 km long defensive walls, towers and forts, cobbled streets, passages and alleyways, hip bars, myriad of restaurants, and pebbly beaches make Dubrovnik the most visited town in Croatia. Add to that the fact that Dubrovnik was a filming location for Game of Thrones since season 2 and you will understand why so many tourists flock to Dubrovnik every year.

Just 50 km north of Dubrovnik you will find the Peljesac peninsula with its sleepy villages, amazing vistas, secluded beaches, endless vineyards, scenic roads, the best fresh oysters and other seafood in all of Croatia, and its own defensive walls in Ston. These 5.5 km long walls are apparently the longest preserved fortification walls in all of Europe.

Don’t miss visiting Dingac and Postup wine regions, the Korta Katarina, Saints Hills and Milos wineries, tasting fresh oysters and squid black risotto in Mali Ston, walking the walls of Ston, and having a dip in the crystalline Adriatic Sea on the beaches of Divna, Duba or Zuljana.   From Frank of FrankaboutCroatia

Travel to alternative destinations

There are 195 countries in this beautiful world (that does include the Vatican and the state of Palestine) and many of the most visited are becoming overwhelmed with tourists. Bali, Peru, Thailand, France, Italy and Northern Africa come to mind. Isn’t it time you considered the lesser-known destinations?

If you are headed to Ireland I have a whole article on Tourist Traps in Ireland to avoid. I give you alternatives to kissing the Blarney Stone or heading to Temple Bar in Dublin so you can avoid those heaps of tourists.

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